U.S. Senate Collection, Center for Legislative Archives, National Archives
and Records Administration

Early
in the 20th century, the Speaker of the House was one of the most powerful
positions in the U.S. Government. This power was derived from three sources:
the power to recognize members on the floor, the power to make all committee
assignments and designate chairmen, and the power to decide which bills
would come onto the floor for decision and the conditions for these deliberations.
In this editorial cartoon, the power of the Speaker is illustrated during
the reign of "Czar" Cannon.